A mum whose son was killed weeks before Christmas is keeping her son's legacy alive by 'fulfilling his wishes'.

Gennie Powell's son Corran, known as Coz, was killed in a head on crash with a driver who was drunk and high on a cocktail of drugs in December 2014.

Corran, just 21, was travelling in a car with his friend James Simmons, 18, when they were involved in the crash with a man three times over the legal drink drive limit.

His mum relives the chilling night the police knocked at her door while she was cooking a roast dinner.

Music was Coz's passion

"It had been the most amazing day"

Talking about the day of the crash, Gennie said she had had an amazing day before she was given the news.

"It was one of those days where you reflect, I was really counting my blessings because Christmas was coming and all the kids were coming home to celebrate," the 53-year-old explained.

"It was a beautiful day and I was so happy."

Coz was a very talented musician

Later in the afternoon, Coz left to drop his friend James home, he didn't know if he should take him before dinner or after, but Gennie had muddled up her timing for the potatoes so said he had plenty of time.

"He said goodbye and I didn't even look up because I was cooking," the mum said.

When 5.30pm came and he still wasn't home for dinner, she says she didn't think much of it because her son was so friendly she presumed he was probably talking to James' parents.

But there was still no sign 90 minutes later.

Gennie added: "I started to get annoyed because he was the type to forget to let you know that he was going to be late."

Soon after there was a knock at the door and she opened it to the police.

"I just saw them and ran away," she added.

"I shut myself in the lounge and told the family who it was and then realised I should probably let them in."

Read More

His band became really successful and the family spent two to three weeks touring the UK performing at lots of gigs, an experience Gennie said she would never forget.

"The family memories were amazing, we were so lucky to have such a wonderful experience together," she added.

"My tiny man"

Gennie said: "He was joyous, he was incredible, he was just so warm and non-judgemental, it didn't matter how old you were, what you looked like or what others said, Coz was welcoming to everyone."

She said how Coz was always bringing friends home and her house was always full of happy teens.

At 5'1", he was known as her 'tiny man', but he never let his height get in his way, she claims.

The 53-year-old said: "He was always so comfortable in his own skin, he never had any of this 'little man syndrome', one of his teachers once told me he was amazed that Coz was so confident in who he was."

Gennie described how family meant everything, and to him, you didn't have to be related to be classed as family.

Coz's family are doing all they can to keep his name alive

"He adored me it was obvious, and I adored him.

"We had just started to have an adult relationship where he would talk to me about all his girl troubles.

"He would even invite me out with him and his friends."

CozFest

Five years on, Gennie, 53, has brought a piece of land and is hosting a festival this weekend, (Saturday, September 7) in his name.

Coz always dreamed of hosting music and charity events and to offer children lessons on nature and outdoor survival.

CozFest is this weekend

CozFest will be a family fun day in memory of the 21-year-old with live music, a petting zoo and an assault course.

The festival in Coz's honour is happening in Sible Hedingham, and tickets can be bought online or at the gates.

Even popular band Bullet for my Valentine are supporting the festival and have made a video to help spread the word.

Gennie said: "I think we do it because Coz loved an outdoor party.

"We threw a big one, CodJam in 2015 for all his and James' friends.

"CozFest is Coz's party and, in keeping with his ability to accept and love everyone, it's open to all.

"We'd do it for free if we had the money, just to celebrate the joy he brought to life."